If the weather hasn't dipped to freezing (which would damage the buds), I suspect your tree isn't getting enough water. When buds dry up it usually indicates the tree is producing the growth as expected, but cannot complete the process because of late freezes or lack of water. Be sure to water regularly, applying water slowly so it percolates down and wets the entire root mass. This is best accomplished by building a basin around the trunk and flooding it with water. Once the water drains, repeat the process. Do this once each week and you should be supplying enough water to the tree. Hope it perks up soon!